As two sheets of glass in a sandwich with a thin metal band, the iPhone 4 isn’t exactly the most rugged smartphone we’ve seen. Happily third-party manufacturers like OtterBox are around to address that: their new Defender Series for iPhone 4 promises to wrap the Apple smartphone in three layers of protection: a shatter-resistant polycarbonate shell, a clear display screen cover (as well as a clear cover for the Apple logo cutout on the back) and a silicone skin. Together, OtterBox reckon, it’s enough to make the iPhone 4 “nearly indestructible”, plus it also addresses the antenna issues too.

OtterBox has put the Defender case through lots of fancy testing to make sure of it, but the short version is that because the iPhone 4’s antenna bridge isn’t getting touched by a human hand, you won’t see the attenuation issues that prompted Apple’s press conference last Friday. The case also gets access to the various hardware controls around the smartphone, and is dust, shock and bump resistant.

Meanwhile two further iPhone 4 cases are due from OtterBox, the Impact Series and Commuter Series, with varying degrees of protection versus bulk. The OtterBox Defender case for iPhone is available now, priced at $49.95, while the Impact and Commuter cases will be $34.95 and $19.95 respectively.

Press Release:

From the Retail Box to an OtterBox, Defender Series for iPhone 4 Revealed

Fort Collins, COLO. – Apple® enthusiasts can now take their new iPhone® 4 from the retail box to an OtterBox™ as the Colorado case manufacturing company unveils its Defender Series™ case. Impact Series™ and Commuter Series™ cases are coming soon.
“We set the bar high for quality and durability,” OtterBox founder and CEO Curt Richardson said. “Extensive research and testing is done to ensure our cases are precision-fit and proven to withstand abuse. Great design takes time and we are confident to now deliver our signature Defender Series protection for the iPhone 4.”
Now available, the original multi-layer case provides the most rugged protection available for the iPhone 4. First, a polycarbonate shell made of hi-impact, shatter-resistant material is installed. Built into the shell is a clear Multi-Touch display screen cover as well as a clear cover for the Apple logo cutout on the backside. Finally, a silicone skin wraps around and locks into the shell resulting in a unified, nearly indestructible solution. Also included is a holster-style swivel belt clip.*
The black OtterBox Defender Series case for the Apple iPhone 4 has been officially NAC tested to address the loss in signal strength. Test results indicate this case solves the antenna issue by acting as a dielectric between the two antennas of the device. No loss of signal strength occurs when using the iPhone 4 in a Defender Series case.
Coming soon, the OtterBox Commuter Series case features two layers of device security for a completely new level of innovation. A silicone mid-layer and a polycarbonate shell combine to provide protection from bump and shock, while the self-adhering screen protector defends from scratching. Similar to the Impact Series, the Commuter Series will offer coverage for the iPhone 4 power button, volume rocker and home button. Additionally, this line provides silicone plugs for the charging port and headphone jack that flip open for access.** Customers can sign up online to receive notification about case availability.
No one does a silicone skin like OtterBox. The OtterBox Impact Series, also coming soon, is a single layer silicone skin, yet far from simplistic. With inner coring to dissipate shock away from the iPhone 4, this case option will provide durable protection and innovative features. Silicone covers the power button, volume rocker and home button to protect from dirt and dust, yet does not interfere with functionality. The charging port and headphone jack remain open and accessible.*** Customers can sign up online to receive notification about case availability.
All cases will accommodate every feature of the iPhone 4 with tight precision including proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, secondary mics and speakers. For full technical specifications for each series, visit the product pages at www.otterbox.com/iphone-cases/iphone-4-cases/.
Time spent worrying about potential damage to the new iPhone is now over. OtterBox Defender Series protection has arrived.
About OtterBox:
Built upon fundamentals of hard work, innovation and perseverance, OtterBox is a leader in the production of premier protective solutions for global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors.
Incorporating creativity and cutting-edge design into every product, OtterBox creates sleek and durable cases that offer reliable device protection to complement any lifestyle.
OtterBox was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo.
For more information, visit www.otterbox.com or call 888-695-8820. We’ve Got Technology Covered.
Notes:
*Defender Series cases NOT protected against water. Will provide some added protection against bump, shock and dust.
**Commuter Series cases NOT protected against water. Will provide some added protection against bump and shock.
***Impact Series cases NOT protected against water. Will provide some added protection against bump and shock.